China Airlines Approves Widebody Order, Retiring 747-400 Freighters

China Airlines has approved a major fleet modernization plan valued at $7.852 billion, authorizing the acquisition of 18 new widebody aircraft including five Airbus A350-1000s, five Boeing 777-9s, and four 777-8 freighters. The carrier will retire four Boeing 747-400 freighters as part of the strategic plan. The significant investment reflects China Airlines’ commitment to long-haul passenger growth and modernizing its cargo operations with fuel-efficient twin-engine freighters, positioning the Taiwan-based airline for sustained competitiveness in Asia-Pacific markets.